German word

verzieren

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈtsiːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbdecorate

Example

Ich verziere den Weihnachtsbaum mit Lichtern.

I am decorating the Christmas tree with lights.

Illustration for verzieren (decorate)

More examples

Sie verziert das Geschenk mit einem zarten Band.

She decorates the present with a delicate ribbon.

Core concept

A plain object receives ornamental lines, patterns, or small details that make its surface more attractive.

Common phrases

  • einen Kuchen verzieren

    decorate a cake

  • ein Geschenk verzieren

    decorate a present

  • mit Lichtern verzieren

    decorate with lights

Similar words

dekorieren: Arrange furniture and decorative items to give a room or shop a pleasing atmosphere.
schmücken: Adorn a tree or celebration venue to create a festive appearance.
verschönern: Make something look or seem better through changes or upkeep.

Definition in German

etwas durch Anbringen von Ornamenten, Verzierungen oder Mustern optisch aufwerten.

Word origin

The verb is formed with ver- from zieren, which continues Middle High German zieren meaning 'to adorn'.

Usage tips

  • Verzieren takes an accusative object, while the added decoration is commonly introduced by mit plus the dative: den Baum mit Lichtern.

Opposites

  • entstellendefaceverb
  • verschandelnuglifyverb

Related words

  • Verzierungornamentationnoun
  • verziertadornedadjective

Word lists with this word